My Fave Lip Balm: ISCREAM's CHOICE Balm That's Got It All!

Hello everyone!

I have to admit, I wasn't familiar with the ISCREAM cosmetics brand until recently. But after trying out a few of their products, which blew me away with their quality at a super reasonable price, I'm hooked and can't wait to try more. Today, I want to share my experience with the CHOICE lip balm that's got a PH effect.

✔️ Quick facts

Volume: 2.8g

Color: 03 strawberry

Shelf life: 12 months

Price: 179 rubles

Country of origin: China

✔️ Where to buy?

You can grab this lip balm at the 'Podruga' cosmetics store – it's the best price, especially if you've got their loyalty card 😉

✔️ Color options

There are only three shades in this line, ranging from super subtle to more vibrant. My shade, 03 strawberry, is the most intense. You can check out the other options on the official website, but trust me, it's way more fun to see them in person at the store.

✔️ Packaging

When you first get the lip balm, it comes with a protective transparent seal that's been heat-welded shut. There's a tamper-evident strip inside, which is a big deal for me since I'm super particular about hygiene when it comes to cosmetics.

✔️ Appearance

The lip balm comes in a super cute and well-made case that's got a nice weight to it. The design is pretty eye-catching, especially with the shiny gold stars that catch the light. They're just as pretty in natural light as they are under store lighting.

I love holding this case in my hand – it's heavy and super smooth to the touch. I'm guessing the finish is some kind of soft-touch coating?It looks great on my vanity, and I'm not ashamed to whip it out in front of my friends. In fact, they're probably going to be jealous and want to check it out for themselves 😉

If you spin the case, you can see the sticker with all the necessary information, including the shade, batch number, and expiration date - mine's 02/2027.The cap fits snugly to the base of the case and when you remove it, it springs back softly, making a gentle sound. The cap is made of dense plastic, it's substantial, so it's not easy to lose it.

✔️ Shade

I've got a raspberry shade, and I think it's spot on. But it's not just about the bright red color on my lips - it's about something else. When you eat a sweet, juicy strawberry and it leaves a stain on your lips, it turns a shade that reminds me of this balm.

The balm in the tube looks like a translucent red color with a warm undertone:

The shade looks different on the swatches, it all depends on the layering and lighting.These photos were taken during the day with natural light, three layers:

These photos were taken with a flash, but that's exactly how the balm looks on my lips in the summer sun - with a subtle, shimmering gloss that even seems like there's a tiny shimmer, but there isn't.

The balm changes its shade throughout the day, depending on how well it absorbs into your lip skin, as well as everyday factors like kissing and eating.This is roughly how the balm will look after going through those obstacles:

To get this pic, I applied the balm generously. I've got to say, it doesn't spread well at all, which means it's super long-lasting. That's a huge plus! The shade is a berry one, pretty common for balms. Don't forget that everyone's lip tone is different, but I think berry is a pretty universal shade that'll suit most people. And the fact that you can adjust the intensity by layering it just makes it even more versatile.

✔️ Aroma

The scent is exactly what it claims to be - a sweet, strawberry-like aroma. It's not overpowering or too strong, but noticeable. I didn't pick up on any harsh notes. What I do want to say is that the scent only hits you when you first apply it, and then it fades away pretty quickly, leaving a subtle hint of something cosmetic. For me, that's a plus - no conflict with other cosmetics like perfumes.

✔️ Ingredients

The ingredients are pretty standard for a budget balm. I didn't spot any nourishing components like oils or panthenol.

PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, POLYBUTENE, POLYETHYLENE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC, TRIGLYCERIDE, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, CERA ALBA, HYDROGENATED MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED OIL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER, PHENOXYETHANOL, o-CYMEN-5-OL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE. MAY CONTAIN: CI 15850, CI 15850, CI 15985, CI 45410. PARFUM: CINNAMYL ALCOHOL, CITRAL, LIMONENE.

✔️ Application

After applying the balm multiple times, I can confidently say it has a smooth, velvety texture. It's super pleasant to apply, and it glides on smoothly without feeling greasy. It's not as slippery as, say, a lip balm, but it's nice.

It absorbs into the skin pretty quickly, but not instantly. For my super dry lips, it takes around 1.5-2 minutes to fully absorb. But I apply multiple layers to feel the balm on my lips. ✔️ Usage and results

I've been using this balm for over a month now, and I've got a clear impression of it. Here are the main points:

1. The balm is universal

Whether you're going for a bold lip color or a natural look, this balm is a game-changer. I've used it as a base under matte lipstick and regular lipstick, and it works like a charm. It moisturizes and softens my lips, making them look healthier and more plump. I'm especially obsessed with it because it's perfect for people like me who get dry, flaky lips all the time.

What I love about this balm is that it's not just a moisturizer - it's also a great way to add some shine to your lips. And the best part? It's not sticky or greasy at all.

One of my favorite things about this balm is the way it makes my lips look like they've been kissed. It's like a subtle, natural-looking gloss that's perfect for everyday wear.

2. The balm has amazing moisturizing properties: it hydrates, nourishes, and softens

I was blown away by how well this balm works. Even though it doesn't have any specific moisturizing ingredients, it somehow manages to lock in moisture and leave my lips feeling soft and supple. I've been using it regularly, and I've noticed a huge difference in the hydration level of my lips. Plus, it's so easy to apply - just a quick swipe and you're good to go.

As you can see from the photo, my lips were a mess before I started using this balm. I had dry, cracked skin and it was a real pain to deal with. But after just two days of using the balm, my lips were completely healed.

Here's a photo of my lips after just 3-4 hours of wearing the balm. As you can see, it's fully absorbed into my skin and there's no residue or shine left behind.

3. The shine wears off as the balm absorbsWhen I first apply the balm, my lips look super shiny and vibrant. But as it absorbs into my skin, the shine starts to fade away. It's a really subtle look that's perfect for everyday wear.

4. The balm is long-lasting

When it comes to how long the balm lasts, I'd say it's a real winner. The color stays on my lips for hours, even through eating and drinking. And the moisturizing properties stay locked in, leaving my lips feeling soft and supple all day long.

One thing I noticed is that the feeling of softness and hydration on my lips isn't super long-lasting. I've got super dry lips, but the moisturizing effect lasts for around 1.5 to 2 hours, which is pretty decent. On the other hand, the hydration itself wears off after about 40 minutes, and it's gone.

You can only fully remove the balm with makeup remover

I've got to say, the tint from the balm is pretty stubborn – it doesn't come off easily. I can only get rid of it completely with a micellar solution, a hydrating oil, or a gentle cleanser. It doesn't just wipe off with a tissue, unfortunately.

The balm is absolutely not sticky

For me, it's a total deal-breaker if a lip balm leaves my lips feeling sticky and tacky. I hate those kinds of balms, so I was really happy to find that 'CHOICE' doesn't have that problem. It's completely non-sticky!

✔️ Value for money

Since the texture of the balm is pretty lightweight, I wouldn't say it's super economical. However, the amount you get is actually pretty reasonable, and I'd say it's a middle-of-the-road kind of deal.

With daily use and applying a few layers at a time, I find that a tube of 'CHOICE' lasts me around a month and a half, max. But the price is so affordable that I don't mind repurchasing it whenever I need to.

✔️ The verdict

Another budget-friendly find from the 'ISCREAM' brand – 'CHOICE' is an amazing tinted lip balm! Not only does it stay put and look great, but it's also got some amazing moisturizing properties that really shine on my super dry lips. Softness, hydration, and nourishment – it's got it all! I'm obsessed with how versatile it is, and I find myself reaching for it all the time. It's definitely become a staple in my makeup bag.

I think 'ISCREAM' has really got the formula down pat – they're not just about churning out cheap products; they're actually putting thought and care into what they create. And that's something to be proud of!

So, I'd definitely recommend giving 'CHOICE' a try – it's a total game-changer! And yes, I'll be repurchasing it for sure!

Happy shopping, everyone! 😉

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